Rangers edge Fenerbahce on penalties to reach Europa League quarterfinals

By Sumeyye Eryilmaz

ISTANBUL (AA) - Rangers booked their spot in the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals after a penalty win over Fenerbahce on Thursday, despite losing 2-0 in the second leg at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow.

Fenerbahce, trailing 3-1 from the first leg in Istanbul, fought back with a determined display.

Filip Kostic set up the opener in the 45th minute, delivering a precise cross that Sebastian Szymanski volleyed past the goalkeeper.

Jose Mourinho’s side leveled the aggregate score in the 73rd minute when Mert Muldur found Szymanski again with a cross from the right, and the Polish midfielder finished calmly for his second goal of the night.

With neither side able to find a decisive goal in extra time, the match went to penalties.

The Scottish giants advanced 3-2 on penalties after the tie ended 3-3 on aggregate.

Barry Ferguson’s Rangers will now face Athletic Bilbao in the quarterfinals. If they progress further, they could return to Bilbao’s San Mames Stadium, which will host this year’s Europa League final.

- Thursday’s UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Second-Leg Results:

Lazio 1-1 Viktoria Plzen (Lazio advance 3-2 on aggregate)

Olympiacos 2-1 Bodo/Glimt (Bodo/Glimt advance 4-2 on aggregate)

Frankfurt 4-1 Ajax (Frankfurt advance 6-2 on aggregate)

Athletic Club 3-1 Roma (Athletic Club advance 4-3 on aggregate)

Tottenham 3-1 AZ Alkmaar (Tottenham advance 3-2 on aggregate)

Man United 4-1 Real Sociedad (Man United advance 5-2 on aggregate)

Lyon 4-0 FCSB (Lyon advance 7-1 on aggregate)

Rangers 0-2 Fenerbahce (Rangers advance on penalties after a 3-3 aggregate score)